Vilanova resigns as Barcelona manager

Barcelona have confirmed that head coach Tito Vilanova has stepped down with immediate effect as he continues his battle against cancer.

Club president Sandro Rosell and director of football Andoni Zubizarreta called a press conference at Camp Nou on Friday evening, where they confirmed Vilanova must undergo further cancer treatment which would make it “impossible” for him to continue in his role.

The Barcelona squad, including Lionel Messi, were present in the front two rows of seats of the press conference as Rosell delivered the news.

“After looking at routine tests, there is [now] an option to continue treating his disease which means it will be impossible for him to continue as first-team coach of FC Barcelona,” Rosell told reporters. “I want to ask for the maximum respect for him and his family.

“We have got together with all of the players and the coaching staff and we have decided not to play tomorrow in Poland [in a friendly against Lechia Gdansk].

“It is a very big blow, a huge blow. But Barcelona has overcome many obstacles in its history and this will be no exception.”